Telford and Wrekin Council are urging more local businesses to sign up to Telford's new discount card which launches in April.
The introduction of the Telford Loyalty Card (TLC) was approved by the council’s cabinet recently. The new loyalty card is completely free and will give local residents money off at council leisure facilities and at more than 60 local businesses which are offering cardholders special offers or discounts.
During April. the new card will be sent to all borough homes with the council's newspaper 'Your Voice'. Additional cards can be obtained from your nearest Council Leisure Centre or First Point Receptions.
The TLC card replaces the existing Flex Card but unlike the Flex card will be completely free. it's hoped the new card will help more people become more active by using the local Council leisure facilities; whilst encouraging more people to "Buy Local" and make use of the special offers and discounts that will be offered by local businesses.
The likely popularity of the new card has already encouraged two high profile local sponsors - TCAT and AFC Telford United. In addition to discounts on activities such as ice skating, gym sessions, swimming or skiing at Council leisure facilities, TLC cardholders will also get discounts or other incentives at a range of local businesses.
More than 60 local shops and firms have already signed up to the new TLC scheme, offering special discounts or deals when card holders buy from them or use their services. A list of participating businesses and their offers will be available through a dedicated website.
Any local business interested in joining the scheme should contact the council before 21 March on 01952 383506 or by emailing tlc@telford.gov.uk
It's free for businesses to join the scheme and the Council intend to work closely with participating businesses to market the offers to card-holders throughout the year.
To qualify for discounts at council facilities, card holders will first have to register their card online or at a council leisure centre or First Point reception. Current Flex card holders will have their cards replaced as they use them from April. The TLC is part of the council's drive to get more people more physically active and its launch will coincide with the Council taking on responsibility for public health from the NHS.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: "The free TLC card is a really exciting new initiative for the borough, showing how we're working for our residents and supporting businesses. We're eager to hear from any more businesses wanting to come on board and offer discounts or other benefits for card holders and I'm delighted at the level of support we have already received, especially from our two main sponsors. The TLC is another great example of a co-operative initiative which will help get even more people involved in regular exercise and more people shopping locally, keeping business in the borough. Look out for more details about the scheme as we get closer to the official launch in early April."
